Individual indicted for animal cruelty for leaving dog in car

Planostar - August 16, 2008

Despite constant community awareness, the Plano Animal Services reported one death and cited 17 individuals for leaving their animals unattended in their vehicle this summer.

With the peak temperature this summer reaching a scorching 110 degrees, Jamey Cantrell, Plano’s Animal Services manager, said he does not understand why this problem continues to occur.

“This is something that happens more frequently than it should,” Cantrell said. “I don’t understand how people think. It is beyond me.”

Cantrell said in July alone, the one death and 10 of the 17 citations were issued.

“People will normally leave their windows cracked and think this is enough, but it’s not,” Cantrell said. “A dog cools themselves by panting. If it’s that hot and humid, they can’t cool down. Their temperature rises significantly. It’s sad people think their animal is going to be OK.”

According to reports, on July 4, a woman left her Scottish Terrier in her vehicle in direct sunlight for nearly three hours while inside the Denny’s located on U.S. 75.

When police arrived, the dog’s body registered at 115 degrees.


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